LifeStyle Features

Can we imagine life without air conditioning — and should we? Exploring passive cooling, nature-inspired design, emerging materials, and impactful small changes reveals how we are reviewing the way we keep buildings comfortable. Solutions like Moroccan adobe courtyards, Indian stepwells, perforated facades, and green roofs blend ancient practices with modern urgency.

Sleeping in is often seen as being lazy, while getting up early is tied to success and prestige. But as we start to understand that everyone has their own peak energy times, with some people being more productive later in the day, this view is shifting. A Danish point of view suggests that tweaking our schedules to allow for different start times could actually be a good thing. We speak with Camilla Kring from the B-Society.

When it comes to something like synchronicity, we're either all in or a bit skeptical. But right between believing and scientific thinking, there's a whole world of possibilities. Want to explore it together? Four experts on synchronicity and coincidence are here to inspire us.

Music, movies, and conversations often suggest that having a life partner is better than being single, with science supporting the health and other benefits. However, is being single just about waiting for the right person, or can it be a fulfilling, lasting lifestyle choice? Is it time for a new narrative?

If there's one thing we've picked up in recent times, it's that we can successfully rethink big, long-standing beliefs and perspectives. Take work. The meaning of work, the daily grind, the rat race, 'the more we work the more successful we are,' the 5-day week in the workplace? All of that's definitely evolving and work is changing.

Many of us in the Western world view older people as vulnerable (and a bit comical) and expect our own decline of mind and body to begin as early as middle age, as if it were inevitable. But could these expectations—especially when reinforced by societal norms—actually influence the outcome?

So, we're open to a new perspective. But, are we really? Our subconscious voices and limiting beliefs can make genuine change difficult. Enter energy tapping. Intrigued? Read on as Mary Contrary explores the topic. Mary has successfully used tapping for years on various issues and often practices it while walking her dog.

If only we had more self-control. We'd eat healthier, exercise regularly, avoid indulgences, eliminate procrastination, and increase savings. Achieving these goals sounds ideal. Right? Isn't it time to rethink our meaning of willpower?

Different cultures and nations celebrate the New Year in different ways and at different times. Together, they demonstrate that what we often consider a single truth is merely one perspective among many. Moreover, despite their differences, all these perspectives share a common thread: the celebration of hope, renewal, and, of course, our shared humanity. Let's take a look at a few. Happy New Year!

Healthcare is evolving with a rise in chronic, less clear-cut conditions and a desire for personalised care, blending Western and holistic approaches. This integration draws on ancient healing wisdom to achieve an all-round recovery. Dr. Toh Wong and Dr. Naveed Akhtar, leaders in British integrative healthcare, share their insights.